Hometown Helena this Thursday, November 17, at 7 a.m.: Non-Motorized Travel Advisory Council; City of Helena use of ARPA Funds

*Note: In addition to hosting Hometown, the Montana Club has great hours and holiday specials listed below. 

Hometown Helena -- Thursday, November 17, 7 a.m.  @ The Montana Club & Live via ZOOM hosted by AZ Technology Services:

  • Wilbur Rehmann, City of Helena Non-Motorized Travel Advisory Council (NMTAC)

  • Amanda Opitz, City of Helena Grants Admin, Possible us of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds 
    • "If folks would like to provide feedback to the City Commission about the ARPA/General Fund Savings Allocation process, we have a brand new public comment form that people can use. The direct link to the form can be found here, or people can navigate to it by visiting the City Commission page of our website at https://helenamt.gov/commission (there is a navy blue button at the bottom of the page)." (AO)

    • Letters of interest 

    • Courtesy of City of Helena Manager's Office
    • Presentation Slides (click to view)















  • View today's recording here:



Message from our Host Jim Smith:

Greetings Everyone,
 

We’re heading into the Holidays, which is always a special time of year in Helena.  From the Parade of Lights and the Lighting the Firetower, to the Festival of Trees, to Handel’s ‘Messiah,' and the celebrations in all of the churches--- it’s a great time to be in the capital city. We’ll be getting into the spirit, and will have some holiday festivities at our Hometowns in December. Please watch your email for further information and details.

Meanwhile, we have a change of plans this week. The presentation by Northwestern Energy has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a date in early 2023.  In its place we will be treated to a discussion of the City of Helena’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds and how they will be allocated by the city commission.  I have not studied the amount available or the requests the city has received.  Commissioner Sean Logan and Amanda Opitz, from the Community Development Department, will be on hand to lead the conversation. There will be time to ask questions, and to give Ms. Opitz and Commissioner Logan some comments and feedback on there plans for spending the funds available.  We’ll also hear from Wilbur Rehmann, Chair of the city’s non-motorized travel advisory council, on the progress being made in that area. 


This will be the last Hometown before Thanksgiving.  There will not be a Hometown on Thursday, November 24th.  So this is my opportunity to reflect for just a moment on the many, many reasons we have to be thankful this year.  We are fortunate to live in the very best city of the finest state in the Union.  I was in Idaho last week and missed Hometown.  Crossing the border over Monida Pass was its usual icy, snow packed thrill.  Nevertheless, it always feels good to get back into Montana.  These days, especially, I want to get out and kiss the ground whenever I re-enter our great state.  And Helena still has its small town feeling despite all the growth and progress here the last several years.  Our families are strong.  Our basic institutions—civic, educational, cultural, recreational, medical, religious, etc.—are likewise strong and vital in our everyday lives.  We  get an idea of how these institutions and the people in them are doing each week at Hometown Helena.  It’s quite a privilege to hear from the folks who come to visit Hometown Helena every Thursday morning.  Our Hometown ’Thanks’ goes out to everyone who has shared their time and expertise with us every Thursday morning. 

Looking forward to seeing you this Thursday, either in person or via the zoom!  

Jim Smith 
406-949-1002


Thanks for being part of the Hometown Helena community! 

Sincerely, 
 
The Hometown Helena Team
 
Jim Smith, Rick Hays, Kelly Cresswell, Emily McVey, Emily Frazier, Ali Mandell, Tom McGree, Peter Straus, and Matt Elsaesser
 
 
 
*From the Montana Club!
 
Happy Winter, Montana Club Community! 
 
You may have heard the chatter around town.  The rumors are true!  Montana Club has reopened for public dining and the best bar in Helena!
 
Come on down Wednesday – Saturday 4:00-10:00pm.
 Don't miss Prime Rib Saturday, featured special includes a 14oz Choice Angus Prime Rib, Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Veggies, Au Jus and Horseradish Sauce. 

Chef Heather is also serving up the best French Dip in town!

The holidays are approaching, and our event calendar is filling up! Contact us to book your holiday party, dinner or gathering. We look forward to celebrating this festive season with you and your loved ones, colleagues and friends.  
 
Mark your calendars for our Montana Club Gala December 21.  We will feature a special Christmas menu and our amazing craft cocktails. 
 
[Details or call]

(406) 442-5980
www.montanaclub.coop

Upcoming Hometown Helena Meetings (tentative schedule, check the week's email for updates):.  
  • November 17 -- Non-Motorized Travel Advisory Committee; City of Helena 
  • November 24 -- No Hometown, Happy Thanksgiving!
  • December 8: Montana Club History and Update 
  • December 15: TBA (and cookies from our host!)
Thanks for being part of the Hometown Helena community!